The Average Cost of Total Knee Replacement

Nearly 500,000 total knee replacements were performed in 2005. That's according to Elena Losina, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at the Boston University School of Public Health, who states that total knee replacement relieves pain and improves quality of life in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis.

Direct Costs

• The operation's cost depends on many factors, including where you live. According to Washington Post's Christopher J. Gearon, the average cost of knee replacement surgery in metropolitan Washington is $28,774. Costhelper states that at the Kapiolani Medical Center in Aiea, Hawaii, the price is about $33,000.

Other Factors That Affect Cost

• There are many factors that affect the price of surgery, including choice of physician and hospital. According to Costhelper, the surgery is more cost-effective at high-volume institutions.

Out of Pocket Costs

• Out of pocket costs vary wildly depending on your insurance plan and could range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Costhelper states that as of 2008, knee replacement out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare patients at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, totaled $4,257.

Additional Costs

• Total knee surgery replacement patients need extended home care in addition to the week-long hospital stay. Your home may need to be fitted with bathroom safety bars and a toilet seat riser; modifications may also need to be made for temporary one-story living.

Other Factors to Consider

• Total knee replacement surgery is not a permanent solution to knee problems. Total knee replacement surgery will need to be repeated every 10 to 15 years.